Intervene in a down-and-out neighbourhood in just the right way, and the payoff is better health and wellbeing among residents. McMaster University’s Jim Dunn is working with CFI and Ontario municipalities to figure out exactly what makes an intervention effective. Together, they have discovered that improved housing translates into increased income, life expectancy, education scores and civic pride, helping to build strong communities.

By pinpointing which cityscape improvements lead to better lives, the team can help guide crucial government policy decisions.

“We need to create the conditions for urban renewal and socially mixed communities, with a focus on meeting the housing needs of people from all walks of life."